DHEC issues air pollution alert for much of SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The heat wave coming to South Carolina is bringing poorer air quality with it.

The Department of Health and Environmental Control issued an orange alert for Friday because of increased levels of ozone in 34 counties.

The alert covers all the counties in the Midlands and Upstate. It also includes several Pee Dee counties and the Charleston area.

DHEC says hot, dry and stagnant weather allows ground-level ozone to form and build. The agency recommends anyone with respiratory problems to stay inside as much as possible.

Forecasters say highs could go over 100 degrees across much of the state on Friday and through the weekend.